The Phillies couldn't afford any more bad news when it comes to their pitching staff, but that is exactly what they got on Thursday.

During the Phillies 7-5 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays, starting pitcher Ethan Martin had to leave early due to discomfort in his pitching shoulder.

Martin came into the game in the fifth inning, facing just batters -- and not recording an out -- before having to leave. He is scheduled to be examined by the team's doctors on Friday.

Martin struggled last season with the Phillies, going 2-5 with a 6.08 ERA in 40.0 innings pitched. He was expected to compete for the fifth and final spot in the rotation, although he was considered a long shot to win it.

Still, with Martin potentially sidelined, the Phillies are starting to run out of starting pitchers.

Cole Hamels is still behind in his pitching schedule due to tendinitis, and could start the season on the disabled list. Jonathan Pettibone, who was battling for a rotation spot, is not ready to pitch either due to shoulder soreness. Throw in the fact that Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez is off to a rough start despite being healthy, and the Phillies are already short of starting pitchers less than two weeks into Spring Training.

Not exactly the way to kick off a season that depends heavily on staying healthy.